- The Artistic effect of Japanese home architecture is best displayed in the structure of "Chasitsu."
- The Chasitsu is built so as to integrate itself with Nature: a timber having its bark purposely left on is often used, for example, as a pilar; bamboo stalks are entwined with vines, for example, for a fence; and the roof is thatched with straw or miscanthus, as a rule-for a rustic flavor is highly appreciated in the structure of CHASHITSU, which however may seem to be a strange and unusual idea from the view-point of western architectural art. But Japanese, because of an aesthetic sense peculiar to them, love a house such as cashitsu, which looks rustic, yet timehonored, with its mossy roofs and old pilars of patinated dingy color. It can be said that the CHASHITSU represent most typically the Japanese architectural view point which exalts the relationship of the home with Nature.
- The Japanese do not fear Nture, but love it. They do not regard Nature as opposed of human beings, but want to take it into their lives in order to co-exist with it and to exist within it. It must be difficult for foreigners, especially for Westerners to appreciate the beauty of Japanese architecture unless they have background knowledge of Japanese history and traditional culture.
- However, it may be suggested that the natural-philosophical spirit underlying the works, can help foreigners understand the artistic spirit underlying the structure of chasitsu to a certain extent.
(C) 2000 Oktavianus p. Ludiro
